Day: April 1, 2024

Losing a cherished pet is a deeply painful experience that resonates with every pet enthusiast. These animals transcend mere companionship; they become integral members of our families, sharing in the highs and lows of our lives. They occupy a unique space in our hearts, witnessing moments often unseen by even our closest human connections. Unbeknownst to us, their lives become intricately intertwined with ours, shaping our daily routines and influencing our decisions, from feeding and walking to playtime and healthcare. Our lives revolve around their needs, with our exercise regimes and social interactions often structured around their presence, particularly evident with dogs, though even hamsters can provide companionship and playfulness.

The Bonds We Have With Our Pets

With the arrival of a new pet, whether a lively puppy or a weathered rescue horse, we inherently understand that this bond will eventually come to an end. Though this reality may be uncomfortable to contemplate as we embark on the exciting journey of this new friendship, it remains an undeniable truth for every pet-owner relationship. Unlike some cultures that embrace the natural cycle of birth and death as an inevitable and even celebratory part of life, our contemporary American society often shies away from confronting these realities, preferring to avoid the discomfort associated with mortality.

The Inevitability of Pet Loss

In facing the final days with our beloved pets, my advice to fellow animal lovers is to approach this chapter with a sense of peace. While your pet will find release, you will be left with the memories of these closing moments. By preparing yourself in advance, you can ensure that your recollections are not clouded by regret and sorrow. My hope is that in the years to come, you will fondly recall the joyous times shared with your pet—the love, laughter, and playfulness—rather than dwelling on the pain of their final days. Remember, the end is a fleeting moment compared to a lifetime of cherished memories. Do not allow the sadness of death to overshadow the abundance of joy that you and your pet shared.

These are things you can do ahead of time to reduce the stress on the final days:

• Have a conversation with your vet and prepare any supplies and medications you might need as death approaches.
• Have a family meeting to decide ahead of time how much medical intervention you are willing and able to do. Discuss what makes sense for your lifestyle, finances, and your pet’s quality of life. Define the boundaries of care and stick to the plan. 
• Death does not read the calendar, and often, the ending comes at night or on weekends. Ask your vet to help you identify the best 24-hour emergency clinic to contact if necessary. Keep the contact information readily available. Set treatment limits based on your plan. No one wants to say their final goodbye to a pet and receive a $10,000 bill from the clinic as they leave. Prepare, plan, and persevere.
• Decide ahead of time how you would like to handle your pets’ remains. There are many options these days. Do your research and make your choice before you need to know so you will not live with any regrets. The vet will ask you when you are deep in grief. You will not feel like making big decisions at that moment; be kind to yourself and have the information ready.
• Decide what type of memento you will want once your pet is gone. A framed photo, a paw print, a horseshoe, a piece of jewelry? Advance planning helps you feel prepared.
• You will likely feel exhausted and deeply sad as the final day approaches. Often, we anticipate the end with a heavy sense of dread. I find that it helps to set an intention to anticipate the end in a new way. Find a way to uplift the energy, and do some “bucket list” items with your pet, like making a final visit to the beach to visit beloved family members. Treat this like you would a best friend headed off on an exciting new adventure; celebrate the end of pain. I chose to celebrate a re-birthday with my pets as if they were about to be reborn into a new and exciting life. They get lots of love, a few of their favorite things, and some special treats. Sometimes, celebration can take the edge off of grief.
• And finally, spend some time in deep inner reflection. Ask yourself, “How can I bring this chapter to a close in a way that I can live with, in the years to come?”. I would like you to be able to say, “I have done everything that I could have done, and I am at peace with my actions”. With this type of reflection and planning, you will be able to focus on remembering the joy of the relationship rather than the sadness of the final days.

Ultimately, the depth of our grief reflects the depth of our love for our pets. By embracing preparation and reflection, we can honor their memory with a sense of peace and gratitude for the love they brought into our lives.

As pet owners welcome a new addition to their families, thoughts of the eventual end of this cherished relationship are often pushed aside in favor of building a strong bond in the present. Though we acknowledge the inevitability of parting ways, we prefer to focus on the joyous moments shared with our beloved pets, cherishing each day spent together. However, this avoidance of the inevitable doesn’t prevent it from looming on the horizon.

In today’s pet-centric world, our attention is largely consumed by selecting the finest toys, nourishment, and medical care for our animal companions. At the same time, discussions about illness, mortality, and end-of-life planning are often overlooked. While it’s natural not to dwell on such somber topics throughout our pets’ lives, preparing for the inevitable to alleviate stress when the time arrives is prudent.

End of Life Preparation with an Animal Communicator or Medical Intuitive

My role as an animal communicator and medical intuitive frequently involves guiding pet owners through the sensitive process of end-of-life counseling and preparation. Many consultations center around assessing a pet’s quality of life as it ages, navigating challenges such as declining health, altered behavior, and mobility issues. While veterinarians address physical symptoms, I focus on delving deeper into understanding a pet’s emotional and physical state, enabling a more personalized approach to care.

Through telepathic communication, pets are given a voice in their own healthcare journey. By interpreting their signals and emotions, we can better understand their needs and preferences, allowing for more effective management of their well-being.

As our pets near the end of their journey, we are faced with difficult questions and may begin to ask questions like: “My dear friend, are you suffering?”, “Is the pain too much?”, “Is it time?, “Do you want me to help you to leave your body?” Ultimately, we never want to say goodbye. We have always known this time would come, but we feel ill-prepared. We might ask ourselves: “Are we doing enough?”, “Are we doing too much?, ”How do we know when the right time is to stop all of the care, cease the lifesaving efforts, and resign ourselves to the death process?” These moments are fraught with many emotions, including guilt, grief, and uncertainty. While the path to saying goodbye is never easy, animal communication can provide clarity and closure, helping both pet and owner navigate this final chapter with compassion and understanding.

My Experience Helping with the Transition as an Animal Communicator

Over the years, I’ve guided numerous clients through this process and had the privilege of connecting with many animals as they crossed the threshold into the next phase of existence. Through these experiences, the animals have imparted invaluable lessons on living fully and embracing death gracefully. Allow me to share their wisdom with you. 

This is what they would want you to know:

1. The transition from their failing physical body is a profoundly joyful experience beyond words to capture fully. It embodies light, love, freedom, and a profound sense of returning home. These descriptors, though inadequate, attempt to convey the depth of this transformative journey.
2. Upon leaving their physical form, their consciousness persists, vibrant and alive. Freed from the constraints of their earthly vessel, they feel invigorated, perhaps even more alive than before. Unlike humans, who often perceive death as a final separation from our loved ones, animals view it as transitioning to a new phase of existence. They see it not as an end but as a departure to another realm, wearing a lighter, ethereal form of energy.
3. In this new state, they retain the ability to perceive and connect with us, knowing that our love transcends physical boundaries. Some choose to linger near their loved ones in spirit form, while others embark on their next adventure with boundless enthusiasm.
4. The decision to choose euthanasia when a pet’s quality of life diminishes is deeply personal. Animals understand that death is an inevitable part of life, and they harbor no attachment to the method or timing of their passing. What matters most to them is the well-being and happiness of their human companions.
5. As they transition to a new life, they release all concerns for themselves and focus instead on guiding us through our grief and healing. They encourage us to embrace the present moment, cherish life’s love and joy, and move forward with courage and resilience.
6. In their wisdom, they remind us to live fully, to chase the ball, to embrace new experiences, and to continue sharing love with others. For them, life is not defined by death but by the love and joy we cultivate in each moment. Let us honor their teachings by embracing life’s journey with open hearts and minds.